Explore Trat
Nestled in Thailand’s eastern corner, Trat Province offers a truly remarkable diving experience across its 52 picturesque islands, including the famed Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood. This region, while popular among travelers, maintains a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for divers seeking unspoilt underwater landscapes. Trat's dive sites burst with vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a plethora of creatures, from tiny nudibranchs and colorful shrimp to larger marine wonders like barracudas, turtles, reef sharks, and the awe-inspiring whale sharks. Exploring Trat's waters unveils diverse topography, featuring exciting drop-offs, boulders, caves, swim-throughs, and even the intriguing HTMS Chang wreck. Diving in Trat caters to all levels, thanks to its generally mild currents and clear, warm waters, typically between 28°C–30°C/82°F–86°F. The province is a fantastic spot for beginners to acquire their open water certification, while advanced divers can enjoy thrilling explorations. Dive centers abound, offering a variety of options from single dives to full-day boat trips. Liveaboards also provide an immersive experience for those wishing to explore multiple dive sites across the islands. The best diving conditions are often found between March and June, or during the cooler, dry months from November to April, though the allure of Trat's marine life remains constant year-round.
Places to Explore
Koh Kood
In the easternmost area in the Gulf of Thailand, is Koh Kood (AKA Ko Kut). It’s Thailand’s fourth-largest island, though despite its size, it’s relatively quiet, meaning divers can relish uncrowded dive sites.
Koh Chang
Thailand’s picturesque Koh Chang island is a nature lover’s dream, with white sandy beaches, warm turquoise water and swaying palm trees. This relaxing island is home to an array of life, both above and below the waves. Mountainous rainforests and jungle host lots of interesting land species, while the surrounding ocean holds breathtaking reefs, rocky pinnacles and a wealth of colorful, thriving marine life. It is the largest of 52 islands that make up the entirety of the Koh Chang Marine National Park.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in Trat Province
Trat Province, located in eastern Thailand, offers a wealth of diving opportunities with its pristine sites and rich marine life. One of the top wreck dives is the HTMS Chang, a former navy vessel turned artificial reef, providing divers with the chance to explore its vast structures teeming with marine life. This site is accessible both from shore and via liveaboard, catering to all levels of divers.
For those interested in shore dives, Koh Wai presents a unique experience with its easy access and vibrant coral gardens. Night dives are particularly enchanting here, as nocturnal creatures emerge, showcasing behaviors rarely seen during the day. The balance between shore and liveaboard options ensures that divers can enjoy a variety of experiences, from leisurely shore exploration to more adventurous liveaboard trips exploring remote sites.
The best Months to dive in Trat Province
Trat Province offers favorable diving conditions year-round, making it a popular destination for divers. The water temperatures generally range from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, ensuring comfortable diving. Visibility in the waters around Trat can range from 10 to 20 meters/33 to 66 feet, although this can vary with the seasons.
The best time for diving is typically from November to April when the weather is calm with minimal rainfall, providing clearer visibility and gentler currents. During the monsoon season, from May to October, stronger winds and currents may affect diving conditions, leading to reduced visibility and access to certain dive sites. Despite these challenges, diving is feasible throughout the year with proper planning and awareness of the local conditions.
Statistics
Historical data and trends
